For lovers of sensitive teen dramas centered around dysfunctional families...have I got a treat for you! THE HAMILTONS will take you back to your high school days of discovering books like CATCHER IN THE RYE, RUMBLEFISH and THE OUTSIDERS...only this has nothing to do with gangs. It does deal with a troubled young man, trying to find his place in the world, and also how he fits in with his VERY unique "family unit." Frances Hamilton (Cory Knauf), confused, withdrawn and in constant turmoil, documents his day-to-day life with his siblings, following them around with a camcorder as he records them and his thoughts in a video journal.
Older brother David (Samuel Child) carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, along with his role as 'man of the house', the legal guardian for everyone else since their parents died. The twins, volatile 'bad boy' Wendell (Joseph McKelheer) and Goth-obsessed Darlene (Mackenzie Firgens) aren't willing participants in the family, unless it involves being with each other. They're as close as a brother and sister can be...actually closer than what's considered appropriate.
The Hamiltons struggle to be good neighbors and put on the best face they can...when they're not shredding off someone else's. They do the best they can anywhere they live, until people start disappearing, and they have to move...AGAIN. Struggling with their murderous, nomadic existence and what it takes for them to survive, Frances is at a crossroads...should he pitch in and help them continue to do what they do, or should he tear the whole family apart in the hopes of finding a more "normal" way to live? If you enjoy 'family dramas with a twist' like George Romero's MARTIN, GINGER SNAPS or even the unconventional psycho-thriller MAY, THE HAMILTONS will definitely be your cup of blood. The Butcher Brothers have carefully fashioned a tale that will keep you engaged even if you figure out the 'family secret' well before the ending.
The actors turn in solid performances, but especially the ferocious effort by McKelheer and Firgens, and Rebekah Hoyle as Sam, the latest victim who may hold the last chance for Frances' most desperate wish.
I'm afraid that hard-core gorehounds seeking maximum carnage may feel cheated. When this film was part of HORRORFEST last year, it was sold as a 'slasher' film in the trailers, which is only half-true. Set your mood for something a little more nuanced and different, and you'll be ready to meet THE HAMILTONS.
Older brother David (Samuel Child) carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, along with his role as 'man of the house', the legal guardian for everyone else since their parents died. The twins, volatile 'bad boy' Wendell (Joseph McKelheer) and Goth-obsessed Darlene (Mackenzie Firgens) aren't willing participants in the family, unless it involves being with each other. They're as close as a brother and sister can be...actually closer than what's considered appropriate.
The Hamiltons struggle to be good neighbors and put on the best face they can...when they're not shredding off someone else's. They do the best they can anywhere they live, until people start disappearing, and they have to move...AGAIN. Struggling with their murderous, nomadic existence and what it takes for them to survive, Frances is at a crossroads...should he pitch in and help them continue to do what they do, or should he tear the whole family apart in the hopes of finding a more "normal" way to live? If you enjoy 'family dramas with a twist' like George Romero's MARTIN, GINGER SNAPS or even the unconventional psycho-thriller MAY, THE HAMILTONS will definitely be your cup of blood. The Butcher Brothers have carefully fashioned a tale that will keep you engaged even if you figure out the 'family secret' well before the ending.
The actors turn in solid performances, but especially the ferocious effort by McKelheer and Firgens, and Rebekah Hoyle as Sam, the latest victim who may hold the last chance for Frances' most desperate wish.
I'm afraid that hard-core gorehounds seeking maximum carnage may feel cheated. When this film was part of HORRORFEST last year, it was sold as a 'slasher' film in the trailers, which is only half-true. Set your mood for something a little more nuanced and different, and you'll be ready to meet THE HAMILTONS.